LinuxWorld — (press release) — Engineers and developers can now deploy connected Java language-based solutions on Hard Hat embedded Linux targets using IBM's VisualAge Micro Edition tools, class libraries and virtual machines, available from and supported by MontaVista Software.

Today, Object Technology International, an IBM subsidiary, announced a distribution and support agreement with MontaVista Software, Inc., for Linux-based development tools and embedded Java application deployment components, including the configurable J9 Virtual Machine (VM). VisualAge Micro Edition support for Hard Hat Linux is based on a single, uniform IBM code base already in use with other embedded platforms and RTOS environments.

MontaVista selected IBM's VisualAge Micro Edition Java technology after an exhaustive industry wide analysis performed at their laboratories in Sunnyvale, CA. and at IBM's Object Technology International laboratory in Phoenix, AZ.

“Java's portability and configurability resonate with that of Linux itself,” comments Jim Ready, President and CEO of MontaVista. “VisualAge Micro Edition gives Hard Hat Linux developers a streamlined path to embedded Java deployment.”

“IBM is pleased to be working with MontaVista to serve the embedded Linux marketplace. MontaVista's experience in embedded systems engineering and creating compact Linux platforms will help customers that want to create and deploy Java applications for that environment. This has allowed IBM to leverage our investment in reliable Java technology and tools,” said Skip McGaughey, IBM director of embedded systems.

Protecting Investments in Components

The use of components across many projects and the potential for future deployment to new platforms require a solid base upon which to build. VisualAge Micro Edition provides this through uniform deployment on all embedded target configurations from a single source. IBM's configurable runtime components, like the base Java class libraries and J9 virtual machine, demonstrate excellent compatibility when ported to new targets since all versions derive from one code stream.

IBM allows developers access to the full source of the base class libraries, permitting modification and extensions to meet customer requirements.

More Widespread Operating System Support

Previously announced for optimized deployment on QNX Neutrino, and available for Windows CE, Japanese ITRON and Palm Inc.'s Palm OS, VisualAge Micro Edition has been extended to support Linux from the single source that is used to create IBM's tools and deployment runtime components. This leads to product reliability and compatibility across these environments. VisualAge Micro Edition runtime components support Linux running on PowerPC processors popular with developers of home appliances, gateways, building automation and mobile e-Business devices.

Under the agreement, formal product distribution and support for Linux tools and target environments will be provided by MontaVista. The Beta release of Linux tools and runtime components for use with MontaVista Hard Hat embedded Linux are available from IBM now for evaluation without cost via download from IBM's website, here.

 
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